Great restaurants in Annecy take you on a culinary adventure through the rich flavours of the capital of the Haute-Savoie region of France. The region is bountiful with fresh local produce. The canals of the old town lead some to dub this the Savoyard Venice, but it’s the waters of Lake Annecy that has had a profound impact on its cuisine.

Chefs rub their hands with glee at the bountiful supply of fresh fish straight from the lake, as well as a bounty of cheese, fruit and vegetables sourced from the surrounding countryside. Annecy’s pretty bridges, cobbled streets and colourful facades make it a delight to explore on foot, but these great restaurants are what’s likely to entice foodies to return.

  • 1

    Le Clos des Sens

    Fine dining with a commitment to local produce

    Le Clos des Sens
    • Couples
    • Food
    • Group
    • Luxury

    Le Clos des Sens is a 3-Michelin-starred restaurant housed in a historic 19th-century manor house. The chef is renowned for his artistic creations that reference Léman, Annecy and Bourget – the 3 great lakes of the Savoy region.

    In a triumph for pescetarians, meat has been replaced with fish freshly caught from the lakes and is accompanied by locally-grown vegetables such as artichokes and fennel. In the decor, there’s a similar nod to the beautiful surroundings, particularly in the fireplace. Crafted from spruce and Indian ink, it’s as comforting as the food on your plate.

    Location: 13 Rue Jean Mermoz, 74940 Annecy, France

    Phone: +33 (0)4 50 23 07 90

    Map
  • 2

    L’Esquisse

    A must for gourmands in the heart of Annecy

    L’Esquisse
    • Couples
    • Food
    • Group
    • Luxury

    L’Esquisse is a Michelin-starred restaurant whose small and unassuming exterior holds little clue to what’s inside. Imaginative dishes, exquisitely presented, characterise the menu.

    The culinary team sources many of their ingredients from nearby food market stalls – if it’s not fresh and in season, it’s not going to make the cut. There are several set menus from which to choose. Expect to see skilled use of ingredients such as lake trout, hare, veal sweetbreads, mushrooms and regional cheese.

    Location: 21 Rue Royale, 74000 Annecy, France

    Open: Tuesday–Saturday from 12.15 pm to 1 pm and from 7 pm to 9 pm (closed on Sundays and Mondays)

    Phone: +33 (0)4 50 44 80 59

    Map
  • 3

    La Ciboulette

    Haute cuisine in a pretty courtyard setting

    La Ciboulette
    • Couples
    • Food
    • Group
    • Luxury

    La Ciboulette has been a fixture of Cour du Près Carré, an old coaching inn courtyard in Annecy, since the mid-1980s. It manages an air of tranquillity despite being in the city centre. For many years, it retained a Michelin star, and although it’s no longer in the possession of this prestigious award, it remains one of Annecy’s finest restaurants.

    Inside, La Ciboulette manages to pull off an elegant yet homely vibe with carefully chosen paintings and antiques. The food is prepared with care to showcase French classics with a twist while the service is attentive yet discreet.

    Location: 10 Rue Vaugelas - Cour du Pré Carré, 74000 Annecy, France

    Open: Tuesday–Saturday from noon to 1.30 pm and 7.30 pm to 9 pm (closed on Sundays and Mondays)

    Phone: +33 (0)4 50 45 74 57

    Map
  • 4

    Restaurant Cozna

    A foodie haven where enthusiasm and passion rule

    Restaurant Cozna
    • Couples
    • Food
    • Group

    Restaurant Cozna’s is a top Annecy dining spot with an unusual name that comes from the Savoie dialect meaning ‘kitchen’. The dynamic duo responsible for the cuisine and concept honed their skills in Paris before returning home to set up their restaurant. This place serves up exciting contemporary French dishes that reflect their commitment to good food.

    Local, seasonal produce is at the heart of everything served here. You could follow scallops with Jerusalem artichoke or tender veal with parsnips with an apple tarte Tatin or a decadent rum baba.

    Location: 22 Fbg Sainte-Claire, 74000 Annecy, France

    Open: Monday–Friday from noon to 2 pm and 7 pm to 9.30 pm (closed on Saturdays and Sundays)

    Phone: +33 (0)4 50 65 00 25

    Map
  • 5

    Le Bilboquet

    Gastronomic treats in the heart of Annecy’s old town

    Le Bilboquet
    • Couples
    • Food
    • Group
    • Luxury

    Le Bilboquet is a rustic dining place in the middle of Annecy’s old town that is full of character. It boasts exposed beams and stone walls and the menu adapts to the changing seasons, using local ingredients where possible.

    Try tender pork cheeks accompanied by lentils, smoked duck breast with artichokes or turbot with creamy morel mushrooms. Round off your meal with buttery shortbread or a selection of local cheese. The place is small, so you’ll need to book well ahead if you want to dine here.

    Location: 14 Fbg Sainte-Claire, 74000 Annecy, France

    Open: Tuesday–Saturday from noon to 2 pm and 7 pm to 9.30 pm (closed on Sundays and Mondays)

    Phone: +33 (0)4 50 45 21 68

    Map
  • 6

    Le Bouillon

    A cosy yet modern bistro with an appealing menu

    Le Bouillon
    • Food
    • Group

    Le Bouillon is a modern bistro in Annecy with a name that translates as ‘stock’, that vital ingredient that forms the basis of so many successful dishes. It’s located a stone’s throw from the Thiou, yet far enough from the old town’s touristy competitors to allow you to believe you’ve stumbled upon something authentic.

    Its simple decor features wood discs on white walls and carefully curated artwork that ensures it is chic rather than plain. The food – must-tries include the veal ossobucco – is imaginatively presented, with thought given to how the flavours play off against one another. The menu is confidently brief, but long enough to provide choice.

    Location: 9 Rue de la Gare, 74000 Annecy, France

    Open: Tuesday–Thursday from noon to 2 pm and 7.30 pm to 10 pm, Friday–Saturday from noon to 2 pm and 7.30 pm to 10.30 pm (closed on Sundays)

    Phone: +33 (0)4 50 77 31 02

    Map
  • 7

    Vincent Favre-Félix

    French haute cuisine in a delightful setting

    Vincent Favre-Félix
    • Food
    • Group
    • Luxury

    Vincent Favre-Félix in Annecy-le-Vieux is a restaurant with picture windows overlooking a pretty garden full of sculptures. The view complements the food, created by a young and dynamic team who work their magic in the kitchen.

    To the team, it’s important that they can trace the provenance of the ingredients they use – crayfish and Arctic char come from Lac Léman, for instance, and fruit such as wild blueberries are sourced from places like the Ardèche. The result of their efforts is a range of confident dishes, impeccably presented.

    Location: 15 Chem. de l'Abbaye, 74940 Annecy, France

    Open: Wednesday–Saturday from noon to 1.30 pm and 7.30 pm to 9 pm (closed Sunday–Tuesday)

    Phone: +33 (0)4 50 01 08 88

    Map
  • 8

    1er Mets

    A family-run restaurant across the water from Le Palais de I'Île

    1er Mets
    • Food
    • Group

    1er Mets, or ‘First course’ in English, is an Annecy restaurant that holds the Bib Gourmand award from Michelin. Its chef-owner learnt his technique at Le Clos des Sens before spreading his wings to open a restaurant with his wife Gaëlle, who oversees front of house. The result is a modern, fun take on food, combined with a warm welcome and plenty of energy and enthusiasm.

    Whether you opt for pork, pollock or even the humble pomme de terre, it will be cooked to perfection in a new way. Save room for dessert – their pannacotta with goat cheese and asparagus in different textures is unique.

    Location: 2 Pl. Saint-Maurice, 74000 Annecy, France

    Open: Monday–Friday from noon to 1.30 pm and 7 pm to 8.45 pm (closed on Saturdays and Sundays)

    Phone: +33 (0)4 57 09 10 54

    Map

    photo by Tiia Monto (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified

  • 9

    Auberge de Savoie

    Refined French cuisine in an elegant dining room

    Auberge de Savoie
    • Couples
    • Food
    • Group
    • Luxury

    Auberge de Savoie offers contemporary cuisine in a comfortable setting in Annecy. When it’s warm enough, you’ll want to dine on its terrace beside the Thiou to capitalise on the views of the Palais de I'Île and the château.

    During the colder months, its stylish and intimate indoor space is in great demand. The food is refined and skillfully presented, from the Asian-inspired tuna to a juicy pork tenderloin elevated by the addition of Savoie apple Tatin, black pudding and chestnut cream.

    Location: 1 Pl. Saint-François de Sales, 74000 Annecy, France

    Phone: +33 (0)4 50 45 03 05

    Map
  • 10

    Au Chardon d’Ecosse

    The perfect blend of Scottish style and Gallic hospitality

    Au Chardon d’Ecosse
    • Families
    • Food
    • Group
    • Luxury

    Au Chardon d’Ecosse is a gastropub in Annecy with a distinctive Scottish flair. This well-established pub isn’t shy about embracing its theme, with a colourful tartan carpet that’s the ideal complement to the wood panelling on its walls.

    Popular with locals who praise its attentive service, the restaurant's food is satisfyingly tasty and served in generous portions. The Menu du Jour represents excellent value, but check out the expansive a la carte section if you’d like more choices. Must-try mains include the sirloin of aged beef from La Boucherie Metzger and the rack of piglet with mashed carrots and Jerusalem artichokes.

    Location: 10 Rue Vaugelas, 74000 Annecy, France

    Open: Monday–Saturday from noon to 2 pm and 6 pm to 3 am (closed on Sundays and Mondays)

    Phone: +33 (0)4 50 51 24 31

    Map
Julia Hammond | Contributing Writer